Though Shoojit Sircar’s latest offering, Madras Cafe, has garnered acclaim for the filmmaker, it’s struggling in terms of business. The film is based on the protests in Sri Lanka and the assassination of a former Indian Prime Minister. Though the film is perceived to be rich in intellectual
content, the collection so far has been around Rs. 22.27 crore (according to Box Office India Magazine). However, trade analysts are hopeful that the film will break even by the end of the second week. The amount invested in the film is around Rs. 35 to Rs. 40 crore (says trade analyst Amod Mehra).

“The film is likely to break even. It was expected to be made on a shoe-string budget. But since John Abraham was roped in, who has also produced the film, the budget shot up to Rs. 35 to 40 crore,” says trade analyst Amod Mehra.

Despite a slow start, the film’s business is expected to gain pace due to strong word-of-mouth publicity. “The word-of-mouth publicity picked up and there was a great improvement on Saturday. The collections on Sunday were twice compared to Friday’s. Since the film was not showing at single screens, now more people are going to the multiplexes to watch it. Another reason for the slow pace can be the intellectual content of the film that appeals only to a limited audience,” says Amod.

Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh also hopes that Madras Cafe will sustain itself at the box office. “The film is now doing well, and I think it will be able to recover the money by the second weekend,” says Taran.

A spokesperson from a multiplex group says, “The film has been liked by all. The night shows are getting maximum viewers.”